The Daily Five: Super Easy RPGs

Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story

Super Mario RPG on the SNES was the first to star the Nintendo phenom, but as a Square co-production it was a little harder than the Mario RPGs that would follow it. The most accessible of these entries, and perhaps the most fun, is Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story on the DS.

The Mario & Luigi games are known for their top-notch localization that places them amongst the funniest that you’ll play anywhere, while also offering a basic-yet-engaging RPG experience. There’s nothing imposing about the story or the gameplay, just a familiar cast of characters up to their regular wacky misadventures. These particular hijinks just so happen to occur inside Bowser’s body, hence the name.

Although you won’t spend time rifling through inventories to equip items that are just a tiny bit better than before, Bowser’s Inside Story offers enough to be a good entry-level RPG for newbies, and enough for hardcore players who need to cool down after playing their Phantasy Star Online 2 import.